Introduction:
There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of chicken and dumplings. It’s a dish that brings back memories of family dinners and cozy evenings. Cracker Barrel, known for its homestyle cooking, has perfected this dish, making it a favorite among diners. But what if you could recreate this classic comfort food at home? In this article, we’ll show you how to make Cracker Barrel’s famous homemade chicken and dumplings, so you can enjoy this delicious meal anytime you want.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
To get started, gather the following ingredients:
- For the Chicken:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds)
- 2 quarts water
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 bay leaves
- For the Dumplings:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
- 3/4 cup milk
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the whole chicken in a large pot and add the water, chicken broth, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and bay leaves.
- Boil and Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 1-1.5 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly. Shred the meat, discarding the skin and bones. Set the shredded chicken aside.
2. Make the Dumplings
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Mix in Milk: Gradually add the milk to the flour mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour.
3. Cook the Dumplings and Assemble the Dish
- Roll Out and Cut Dumplings: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut the dough into small squares, approximately 1 inch in size.
- Simmer Dumplings: Return the pot of chicken broth to a gentle boil. Drop the dumplings into the boiling broth, one at a time, to prevent them from sticking together. Reduce the heat and let the dumplings simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are cooked through and tender.
- Add Shredded Chicken: Add the shredded chicken back into the pot with the dumplings. Stir gently to combine, and let the mixture simmer for another 5 minutes to heat through.
4. Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the homemade chicken and dumplings into bowls and serve hot. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of green beans or a simple salad. Enjoy the hearty, comforting flavors of Cracker Barrel’s chicken and dumplings right in your own kitchen!
Serving and Storage Tips for Cracker Barrel Homemade Chicken & Dumplings:
Serving Tips:
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs:
- Before serving, garnish your chicken and dumplings with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. This adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor that complements the dish perfectly.
- Pair with Side Dishes:
- Serve the chicken and dumplings with classic Southern side dishes such as green beans, collard greens, or a simple garden salad. Cornbread or biscuits are also great accompaniments to soak up the delicious broth.
- Serving Size:
- This recipe yields about 6-8 servings. If you’re serving a crowd, you can easily double the recipe. For a heartier meal, serve larger portions and add extra vegetables like carrots and celery.
- Presentation:
- Serve the chicken and dumplings in deep bowls to keep the broth warm and to highlight the dumplings and chicken pieces. A rustic, homestyle presentation fits perfectly with the comfort food theme.
- Hot Sauce and Condiments:
- Offer condiments like hot sauce, freshly ground black pepper, and a squeeze of lemon for those who like to customize their flavors. A dollop of sour cream can also add a creamy richness.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration:
- Allow the chicken and dumplings to cool to room temperature before storing. Transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing:
- Chicken and dumplings can also be frozen for longer storage. To freeze, place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze the dumplings and broth separately from the chicken.
- Reheating:
- To reheat refrigerated chicken and dumplings, place them in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the broth has thickened too much, add a little chicken broth or water to reach the desired consistency.
- For frozen portions, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Reheat gently on the stovetop as mentioned above.
- Avoid Overcooking:
- When reheating, avoid boiling the mixture as it can overcook the dumplings and make them mushy. Gentle heating ensures the dumplings stay tender.
- Storage Tips for Dumplings:
- If you prefer to make the dumplings fresh for each serving, you can prepare the dough and cut them into pieces, then freeze the raw dumplings on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Cook them directly from frozen in the hot broth when ready to serve.
Variations for Cracker Barrel Homemade Chicken & Dumplings:
1. Vegetable Chicken & Dumplings:
- Add More Veggies: Enhance the nutritional value by adding more vegetables. Carrots, celery, peas, and corn make great additions.
- Cooking Method: Add chopped carrots and celery to the pot with the chicken. For peas and corn, add them during the last 10 minutes of simmering the dumplings.
2. Creamy Chicken & Dumplings:
- Creamy Base: Create a creamier base by adding 1 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half to the broth after the dumplings are cooked.
- Extra Flavor: For a richer flavor, you can also stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
3. Herb-Infused Dumplings:
- Herbed Dumplings: Add 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary to the dumpling dough. This adds a burst of fresh flavor to the dumplings.
- Herbed Broth: Enhance the broth with a bouquet garni of fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, bay leaf) for an aromatic touch.
4. Spicy Chicken & Dumplings:
- Add Heat: If you enjoy a bit of spice, add 1-2 chopped jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the broth.
- Smoky Flavor: A teaspoon of smoked paprika can also add a delightful smoky heat to the dish.
5. Gluten-Free Chicken & Dumplings:
- Gluten-Free Dumplings: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free.
- Thickening the Broth: If you need to thicken the broth, use cornstarch or a gluten-free thickener instead of flour.
6. Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings:
- Slow Cooker Method: Cook the chicken and broth in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Remove the chicken, shred it, and return to the pot.
- Dumplings: Make the dumplings separately and add them to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Ensure the broth is hot enough to cook the dumplings properly.
Conclusion:
Making Cracker Barrel’s homemade chicken and dumplings at home is easier than you might think. With simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can recreate this beloved dish and enjoy the taste of comfort anytime. Whether you’re cooking for family or just craving a warm, hearty meal, this recipe is sure to satisfy. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to enjoy a bowl of homemade goodness!
FAQ’s about Cracker Barrel Homemade Chicken & Dumplings:
1. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. They will cook faster than a whole chicken. Simply adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is cooked through and tender.
2. How do I make the dumplings light and fluffy?
To make light and fluffy dumplings, ensure that your butter is cold and cut into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Avoid overmixing the dough and let it rest for a few minutes before rolling it out.
3. Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dumpling dough ahead of time. Cut them into pieces and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag and store until ready to use. Cook them directly from frozen in the hot broth.
4. What can I do if my broth is too thin?
If your broth is too thin, you can thicken it by mixing 1-2 tablespoons of flour or cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the simmering broth and cook until it thickens to your desired consistency.
5. Can I add vegetables to the recipe?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables like carrots, celery, peas, and corn can enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the dish. Add carrots and celery with the chicken, and add peas and corn during the last 10 minutes of cooking the dumplings.
6. How should I store leftovers?
Allow the chicken and dumplings to cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking and store for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a bit of broth or water if needed.
7. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, chicken and dumplings can be frozen for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze the dumplings and broth separately from the chicken. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
8. How do I reheat the dish without overcooking the dumplings?
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid boiling the mixture to prevent overcooking the dumplings. Adding a bit of chicken broth or water can help maintain the right consistency.
9. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook the chicken and broth in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken and add it back to the pot. Make the dumplings separately and add them to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
10. What can I use instead of butter in the dumplings for a dairy-free version?
For a dairy-free version, you can substitute the butter with a non-dairy alternative like margarine or coconut oil. Additionally, use a non-dairy milk such as almond milk or soy milk in place of regular milk for the dumpling dough.